Observations, Inferences, Measurements

Observation

Information obtained through the senses.

Qualitative

Data in the form of words

Quantitative

Data that is in numbers

Inference

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Measurement

a quantity that has both a number and a unit

certain digits

definite and will always be the same, read directly from the instrument

uncertain digit

the last digit in a measured number

SI units

International System of Units

SI unit for length

meter (m)

SI unit for mass

kilogram (kg)

SI unit for volume

liter (L)

SI unit for temperature

Celsius (C) or Kelvin (K)

Examples of qualitative observations

examples: color, odor, size, texture, shape, and hardness

Examples of quantitative observations

examples: distance, mass, volume, temp, time, etc

Meniscus

The curved upper surface of a liquid in a tube